National Aquatic Animal of India

What Is An Aquatic Animal?

Aquatic Animals are animals that live & can survive only in or around water & not land. those that live in or around water. They are fully dependent on water for nutrition. These animals use water which contains dissolved oxygen in their respiration process....

Ganges River Dolphin

The Ganges River Dolphin, also known as Platanista gangetica, is a special mammal found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system in South Asia. It has a unique look with a streamlined body, a long snout, and distinct blind eyes, using echolocation to navigate in muddy waters. This dolphin holds cultural significance in Hindu beliefs and stories. Unfortunately, it’s facing threats like habitat damage and pollution, making it an endangered species....

National Aquatic Animal Of India

It was in 1801, when the Ganges river dolphin (Platanista Gangetica) was officially found. Mainly inhabitants of the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Meghna & Karnaphuli- Sangu river systems in Nepal, India & Bangladesh. The Ganges River Dolphin, also known as the “Tiger of the Ganges” and are aboriginal to River Ganga....

Facts About India’s National Aquatic Animal

India’s National Aquatic Animal Ganges River Dolphin Scientific Name Platanista Gangetica Officially discovered in 1801 Sub-species of South Asian River Dolphin, along with Indus River Dolphin Habitants of Ganga, Brahmaputra, Meghna & Karnaphuli- Sangu river systems Found in Countries Nepal, India & Bangladesh In India, found in Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand & West Bengal Also known as “Tiger of the Ganges” Declared as National Aquatic Animal 2009 Resides in Freshwater only Level at aquatic food chain Top of the aquatic food chain Official animal of Guwahati Other names Susu, Shushak, Side Swimming Dolphin & Blind Dolphin. It is called Blind Dolphin as its eyes doesn’t have lens. It is also called Susu, because of the sound it makes in the forms of whistles . Locals of Bihar called Gangetic Dolphin as ‘Soons’....

Features Of The National Aquatic Animal Of India

The Ganges River Dolphin is a freshwater species. It is one of the few river dolphins which are present in the world. As the name goes, the Ganges Dolphin are aboriginal to River Ganga. Given below are some features about the Ganges River Dolphin....

Characteristics Of The Ganges River Dolphin

Here is a table for the Species Characteristics of the Ganges River Dolphin:...

Threats To The National Aquatic Animal Of India

Major sources of threat that the Gangetic dolphin faces are:...

Conservation Of The National Aquatic Animals of India

As a measure to save the Ganges River Dolphin which was once on the verge of extinction. In 2009, in the National Ganga River Basin Authority’s (NGRBA) first meeting; the Gangetic River Dolphin was declared as the National Aquatic Animal of India. This was done to put emphasis on the species protection. The Ganges Dolphin is seen as a reflection of the health of the Ganga River. On the lines of Project Tiger, in 2021 Project Dolphin was launched to protect the dolphin species. Recently, in October 2023, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath, declared Gangetic dolphin as Uttar Pradesh’s state aquatic animal. Vikramshila Sanctuary made in 1991, in Bihar Bhagalpur district is the only dolphin sanctuary in India. Another sanctuary proposed to be made in Uttar Pradesh for dolphins is the Hastinapur Sanctuary. The trade of the Ganges Dolphin is prohibited. In October 2019, WWF-India collaborated with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department & started the Annual Gangetic River Dolphin Survey. The Dolphin Conservation Programme was started by the World Wide Fund for Nature – WWF-India to conserve the Ganges river dolphins’ habitats. In India, the WWF-India has picked certain stretches like:...

Role Of The National Aquatic Animal Of India

The Ganges River Dolphin is crucial for keeping the balance and health of the water environments it lives in. Its important for:...

Historical Significance

The Ganges River Dolphin, fondly called ‘Susu’, has been deeply intertwined with the history and culture of the Indian subcontinent for centuries. Here’s a glimpse into its significance:...

Conclusion

In Conclusion, the Ganges River Dolphin, India’s National Aquatic Animal, is important for both cultural and ecological reasons. Found in the sacred Ganges River, this species, scientifically known as Platanista Gangetica, faces threats from habitat degradation and pollution, highlighting broader conservation challenges. An inhabitant of the Ganges, Brahmaputra & Meghna River systems, the Gangetic Dolphin can be found in the bottom of the Himalayas as well as the tidal zone of India, Bangladesh, Nepal & Bhutan. Mainly in the Karnaphuli-Sangu river system of Nepal, India & Bangladesh. It only inhabits freshwater environments. The Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) lists them as “Highly Endangered”. The Gangetic Dolphins’ population gets affected due to rivers being toxic, water development projects & being killed for their oil & meat & accidental killing....

National Aquatic Animal of India – FAQs

Which Dolphin Is Found In Ganga River?...